GLUCOVANCE (GLYBURIDE-METFORMIN)

Glucovance Description

Glucovance is a combination of two antidiabetic drugs prescribed to treat type 2 (non-insulin) diabetes. If you have tried dieting, eating healthier, and have kicked the smoking habit but are still getting high blood glucose readings, talk to your doctor about Glucovance or generic Glyburide-Metformin. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

Glucovance is not for people with type 1 diabetes as you do not have any natural insulin to work with, while type 2 diabetics still have some viable beta cells in the pancreatic islets. Taking Glucovance does not mean that you do not have to exert some effort into exercising, being more active, and changing your diet.

How Glucovance Works in Your Pancreas

Taken orally as directed, Glyburide binds to a channel of proteins in your pancreas in order to trigger the pancreatic beta cells to increase the amount of insulin they are responsible for producing, storing, and releasing. Metformin works to block the release of glucose in your liver to reduce sugar spikes that can happen throughout the day. This results in less glucose (sugar) in your bloodstream.

You also benefit from Metformin as it raises your body’s sensitivity to the insulin you can produce as a type 2 diabetic. There is no cure for diabetes type 1 or 2, and most type 2’s will eventually need insulin as their beta cells eventually stop producing this hormone completely.

Conditions Treated by Glucovance

Type 2 diabetes is largely preventable and “at risk” people can become pro-active to avoid a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes by keeping in good physical shape, eating healthier, staying active, stop smoking, and limiting their alcohol consumption. Some of the risk factors for becoming a type 2 diabetic include: those with a parent or sibling with diabetes; your age and race; being diagnosed with pre-diabetes; and the primary risk factor is being overweight.

Your main source of energy for the cells that make up your muscles and other tissues is glucose (sugar), which is supplied by your liver and the food you eat. The sugar is absorbed into your bloodstream where insulin helps it to enter your cells. If your body is not producing enough insulin or it’s not used properly, the sugar cannot enter your cells so it circulates around in your bloodstream and will increase your blood glucose levels. The result could be a heart attack, stroke, vision loss, or kidney disease.

Before Glucovance is Prescribed

Ask your doctor if Glucovance is safe to take if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast feeding. Relate other medical conditions and allergies you have to your doctor and provide a list of current OTC and Rx medications you are taking, including herbal remedies and dietary or vitamin supplements so it can be determined if Glucovance is the right medicine for you.

Proper Use of Glucovance and Recommendations

Monitor your blood sugar regularly and keep a record so your doctor can tell if the dosage needs an adjustment. If you skip meals, your blood sugar levels could drop and make you feel dizzy, irritable, or confused so you should always keep a source of sugar with you. If you are scheduled for any surgical procedures, inform the surgeon that you are taking Glucovance because you may be asked to stop the medication for a period of time.

Possible Side Effects of Glucovance

• Dizziness
• Stomach pain
• Diarrhea